By: Patricia Harris
Dani and Kaitlin are two dreamers falling for each other on a romantic road-trip. The future is theirs – until they cross paths with a twisted family who have something much, much darker in mind.
In the dynamic landscape of independent filmmaking, “Straight On Till Morning” has emerged as a thrilling testament to the genre’s potential. Directed by Craig Ouellette, this captivating film recently premiered at the Dances With Films Festival, garnering significant attention for its unique blend of romance and horror.
A Long-Awaited Project
The genesis of “Straight On Till Morning” traces back over fifteen years to an initial meeting between Ouellette and Neal McLaughlin, the film’s co-writer. “After our first meeting, Neal told me, ‘I have a script I think you’ll like.’ It was the first or second draft of ‘Straight On Till Morning,’’ recalls Ouellette. The story evolved significantly over time, transforming into a poignant narrative with LGBTQ+ themes. “In 2024, there are quite a number of queer horror films, but when we shifted in that direction in the early teens, a lot of people thought we were crazy. I’m glad the world is shifting to be more open and accepting of stories like this.”
Exploring the Depths of Love
At its core, “Straight On Till Morning” is a profound exploration of love in its most beautiful, complex, and terrifying forms. Ouellette hopes the film will resonate deeply with audiences. “Love is a beautiful thing… the most beautiful thing. And it is also scary and complex. We can do the most amazing and terrible things in the name of love,” he explains. “My goal was to touch people’s hearts, minds, and adrenal glands in equal measure. Hopefully, they will go on the ride and talk about it afterwards.”
Challenges in Independent Filmmaking
The journey to bring “Straight On Till Morning” to the screen was fraught with challenges, from budget constraints to finding the right personnel. “How much time do you have?” Ouellette jokes when asked about the biggest challenges. “The main issues were not having enough money or resources, or having personnel that weren’t the best fit for a position, so we had to get creative and scrappy with how we solved problems.”
The Art of Casting
Casting for “Straight On Till Morning” was an extensive and evolving process. Maria Olsen, who plays Lilly, was a constant presence since 2010. “I was blown away by her audition, and she was always ‘Lilly’ from that point on,” Ouellette states. For the lead roles of Dani Dupree and Kaitlin Sanbourne, the chemistry between the actors was crucial. “Chemistry reads were critical. This is a love story, after all! If there is no chemistry, there is no movie,” Ouellette emphasizes.
Visual Mastery
The film’s distinct visual style was achieved through a combination of carefully chosen locations and the use of vintage lenses and filters. “How do you combine romance and horror visually? What defines ‘romance,’ what defines ‘horror’? Where do they merge, where do they conflict? Those were some of my guiding questions,” Ouellette explains. The main location, a house built in 1863 near St. Louis, MO, was particularly fitting, with each room offering different textures and colors that complemented the film’s aesthetic.
The Impact of Music
Music plays a vital role in “Straight On Till Morning,” with original songs sung by Kelsey Christian, who plays Dani Dupree. Ouellette, a DJ himself, understands the impact of music on emotions. “The idea was that the first part of the movie felt like a ‘needle drop’ movie, with fantastic songs played to compliment different scenes.” The film’s score, composed by Emmy-nominated Thomas Corkran, further enhances the emotional depth and atmosphere.
Balancing Romance and Horror
“Straight On Till Morning” masterfully blends romance and horror, a balancing act that required constant attention. “Everyone in this film is motivated by love, even the villains. But what they do with that motivation might be a bit different than what you or I would do,” Ouellette says. He acknowledges the challenges of maintaining this balance but believes the end result is a film that is both romantic and terrifying.
Looking Forward
As Ouellette looks to the future, he hopes “Straight On Till Morning” will resonate with audiences and open doors for his career. “I hope people love it! (or hate it!). Anything but being bored by it,” he says. He is already working on two new scripts, both blending different genres and tackling social issues, and is open to directing work written by others.
“Straight On Till Morning” is not just a film; it’s a labor of love, a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, and a bold statement on the complexities of love. As audiences continue to discover this remarkable film, Craig Ouellette’s vision of a romantic horror story is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Published by: Khy Talara
